The Story Behind Wyld
Natural selection is
what nature naturally selects
Today, Wyld turns this naturally selected wool into lightweight, warm and breathable woollen garments and accessories, all made in New Zealand.
The name Wyld was chosen to reflect the link between the Pihepe’s survival through Natural Selection and what man naturally selects in order to thrive.
Wyld garments mimic the natural fleeces of the Pihepe, which endure extreme conditions in the wild. These woollen garments allow you to adapt to your environment in the same way the sheep’s wool is able to adapt to its environment.
The vision was to become the world’s premier wool producer of easy care, ethical, organic sheep with a goal to create unique fibres of outstanding quality by combining the wonderful diversity of nature with infinite human ingenuity.
“Sustainability meets beauty”
Roger believes that no one can identify the best selection of sheep to breed but he thinks he can deselect the worst. Wyld products are made from the wool of the Pitt Island Wild Sheep which are bred through Natural Selection, therefore allowing you to experience this wool in its strongest form with the best attributes.
WYLD CELEBRATES THE WONDERS OF NATURE
“Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and doesn’t know where to find them. Leave them alone and they will come home, wagging their tails behind them.”
We named these sheep Bohepe to reflect the link between their wild origin and how they are farmed wagging their tails behind them.
The people behind Wyld
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Roger & Nicki Beattie
Pioneers of Cosywear
Wyld was created by Roger Beattie and his late wife, Nicki.
They farmed Pihepe and Bohepe together on Banks Peninsula and built Wyld around their shared belief in natural fibres, regenerative farming and making something useful from what nature provides.
Nicki was an important part of Wyld from the beginning.
She managed the farms, helped build the brand and loved sharing the Wyld story with everyone she met.
She was also one of Wyld's greatest advocates - she wore the products, talked about them, tested them and believed in what they could become.
Nicki sadly passed away in 2021.
Roger continues the work they started together, and her influence remains part of Wyld today.
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Wyld by my side
Poem by Nicki Beattie - Owner/Farmer
(Sadly passed away in 2021)
Nicki's connection with Wyld went beyond the business.
During her illness, she found comfort in wearing Wyld.
She wrote a poem about that connection, "Wyld by my side."
It is a small piece of the story, but an important one.
Because for us, Wyld has never just been about making woollen products.
It's about making things that people actually live in, use and come to rely on.
Read her poem - Wyld by my side
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Angela Low
Business Manager
Angela has worked alongside Roger since 2013 and has been part of Wyld for many years.
She's the person behind much of what happens day to day — from products and customers to the many jobs that keep Wyld moving.
You'll usually find her doing a bit of everything.
How Wyld began
Wyld grew from Roger's fascination with Pihepe and a belief that the natural qualities of these sheep could be turned into something people could wear.
What started with a small flock has grown into a range of natural wool hats, socks, garments, scarves and blankets - all made in New Zealand.
What we believe
Ethical, regeneratively farmed sheep
Our sheep receive minimal yard work in their lifetime and their tails are left as nature intended, wagging behind them.
No injections, no antibiotics, no drenching, no dipping, no tailing.
Natural & Undyed
Our products are made from natural, undyed fibres. We do not superwash or thermoset our yarns.
The only range with nylon is our socks as it is required for strength and durability.
Slow Fibre Movement
QUALITY UNCOMPROMISED BY SPEED.
We use slow manufacturing to meet the needs of the fibres, carefully creating each yarn for your use.
We don't chase fast fashion or make things simply because we can.
Sustainability
Wyld is dedicated to slow manufacturing, natural undyed fibres, NZ production and making products to be worn for years.
Our packaging is also reusable and recyclable. We’re always aiming to improve.
New Zealand Made
We lovingly create all of our products in New Zealand.
From our wool and yarn to the people who knit and manufacture our products, we work with New Zealand businesses throughout the process.
Guaranteed
If for some reason you’re unsatisfied with your order or it arrives damaged please get in touch so we can help.
Please email hello@wyld.co.nz
Still a little bit wild
Wyld has grown from a few sheep and an idea into a range of natural wool products worn by people here in New Zealand and around the world.
But the original idea hasn't changed.
Start with good natural fibres.
Work with them rather than against them.
Make them well.
And make something people want to keep wearing.
That's Wyld.
